Sailing Nor Cal Coast

chophop · Joined: 16 Apr 1996 Posts: 230

Looks like there will be no decent wind at Waddell for the coming South Swell.
According to I Windsurf, the wind will be in Mendocino coast area. Anyone know a sailing site up there where one can launch and catch a South Swell? Question

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

Problems if wind stays N or even NNW, as it doesn't come to shore.
Just S of PtArena is WhiskeyShoals, a long slog out in very light breeze to get some weed filled wave rides...mushy and slow. Need big board, like floater plus 40 liters. Manchester just N will be better wind direction, but can you handle real shorepound like OceanBeach and SalmonCreek. Very few can.
I suspect wind won't be as far N as Arcata.
Lotsa driving, great scenery, good exploring, few rewards.

bob1 · Joined: 27 Apr 1998 Posts: 109 Location: San Carlos, CA

A negative FX on this site isn't necessarily a bad thing. Wasn't there supposed be a roaring NW wind today per this weekend's fx?

I'm George Constanza when comes too iwindsurf FXs . . . do the opposite. Prolly end up clear and windy at Waddel/Dport for upcoming south swell . . . believe in the power of Opposite Guy! Very Happy

Waterat Pat · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 192

I'm with ya Bob.
We just need some positive vibrations and it could be all time!

SWE106 · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 264 Location: San Mateo

I am sure pistol/cape Sebastian are windy the next few days, but not sure if the S swell is too southerly to hit the beaches and/or if it reaches the coast that far north in due time before the winds also die down there.

as for the FX... yes it has been shouted for a week that yday would be the day... not a breath of wind anywhere...

chophop · Joined: 16 Apr 1996 Posts: 230

The forecast for Pistol is for wind till Sat then dying down Sat. PM. No indication form NWS that South Swell will be there yet. Too much driving for 1-2 days sailing.

Really no decent wave sailing North of SF and South of Gold Beach/Pistol River? Question

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

You can try the drive, like I have countless fruitless times.
Limantour low tide and either S or NW gives you wavesailing.
Salmon is like OBSF, onshore and strong.
Most other beaches have cliffs blocking the wind.
Goat can be filled in side/on, but rocky and steep launches.

eghoffman · Joined: 14 May 1998 Posts: 89

I've heard about sailing at Schooner Gulch, just south of Point Arena, but never sailed there. Also, Cape Mendocino, which is up by Ferndale (near Eureka) is supposed to be great. It's in the middle of nowhere, though.

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

In the '80's, we called it WhiskeyShoals. Either way, it's about 9 miles S of PtArena (the turnoff).
If memory still works, Cape is kinda long walk down, with the high cliff possibly blocking wind at the launch. Beach access is a longer hike in.